When Yolanda Cruz became the first woman foreman at Geyserville’s Redwood Empire Vineyard Management in 2011, it wouldn’t be the first time she would make history.
On Saturday, in a celebration presented by Fundación de la Voz de los Viñedos (Voice of the Vineyard Foundation, formerly the Sonoma County Grape Growers Foundation), Cruz was named 2024 Vineyard Employee of the Year — the first woman to receive the esteemed honor.
“Women only represent a fraction of Sonoma County’s vineyard workforce, so pioneers like Yolanda Cruz are inspiring and important role models,” said Karissa Kruse, president of Sonoma County Winegrowers and executive director of the Fundación de la Voz de los Viñedos . “She’s paved the way for other women by showing initiative, innovation and leadership, which has drawn more women into the vineyard.”
Born in the town of Putla de Guerrero in Oaxaca, Mexico, Cruz began working for Redwood Empire Vineyard Management in 2001, joining her husband, Pedro Cholula, who has worked for the company since 1997.